Parks News October 2026
- Help Design a New Playground
- Coach Youth Fall Sports
- Indigenous Peoples Day Three Sisters Seed Giveaway
- THPRD Appoints Elizabeth Edwards to Board of Directors
- About THPRD
- Want to Get Involved at THPRD?
- Pumpkin Bob
- Women-Only Swim continues at Beaverton Swim Center!
- Jenkins Estate Historical Tour
- Chutes & Ladders Individuals Pickleball League
- Glow in the Dark Family Pickleball
- Cedar Hills Rec Center Updates:
- Conestoga Rec & Aquatic Center Updates:
- Elsie Stuhr Center Updates:
- Garden Home Rec Center Updates:
- Tualatin Athletic Center Updates:
Help Design a New Playground
Thursday, October 8, 5-6:30 pm, Bonny Slope Park, 11100 NW Thompson Rd., free
A new playground is coming to Bonny Slope Park! THPRD is enhancing connections to nature by replacing the existing playground at Bonny Slope Park with a new, nature‑themed play experience. Enjoy a night out and join us to select the new playground design. This project is funded through the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature bond measure that aims to protect clean water, restore habitat, and connect people to nature while centering racial equity and climate resilience. Please visit the project website for more details. (rescheduled because of weather)
Coach Youth Fall Sports
Coaches are needed to assist with cross country and volleyball, as well as basketball later this fall. Apply to be a coach at THPRD Ongoing Opportunities.
Indigenous Peoples Day Three Sisters Seed Giveaway
Stop by Garden Home Recreation center starting October 12 until supplies last, to pick up your free packet of seeds and celebrate and learn about Indigenous Peoples Day.
THPRD Appoints Elizabeth Edwards to Board of Directors
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) Board of Directors selected Elizabeth Edwards to complete a vacant position on the five-member THPRD Board. Edwards will serve the remainder of the term, which ends on June 30, 2027. Edwards brings an extensive background in public service, public policy and government relations in Oregon and DC, working in the private and public sectors, covering almost every area of policy, including climate and environment, general government, healthcare, land use, parks, public safety, transportation, water, and more. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for Clean Water Services (CWS) and is a member of the Oregon State Bar. She has also volunteered on the THPRD Budget Committee since 2021, including serving as the Committee Chair; the THPRD Audit Committee; and previously the district’s Levy Task Force that advised the district on the need for and development of the operating levy, approved by voters in 2024.
“Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to the Board. She’s done the homework with tremendous service on THPRD committees,” said Tya Ping, THPRD Board President. “We know Elizabeth knows the issues, is exceptional at intergovernmental relations, and she is ready to hit the ground running for THPRD.”
THPRD is a special purpose local government agency formed to administer park and recreation services . THPRD serves about 45% of the people living within Washington County.
About THPRD
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning approximately 50 square miles within urban unincorporated Washington County and the City of Beaverton, and serving more than 270,000 residents. Established by voters in 1955, THPRD provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through 122 parks, more than 85 miles of trails and pathways, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, approximately 1,500 acres of natural areas and more than 16,000 fitness and recreation classes annually.
Want to Get Involved at THPRD?
THPRD is recruiting new volunteers to join the district’s advisory committees and Budget Committee. These volunteer opportunities are a great way to learn the issues facing the organization and to prepare community members for future elected service. Applications are being taken through October 19. Please consider applying at THPRD Advisory Committees.
Pumpkin Bob
Saturday, October 24, 12:30-2:30 pm or 4:30-6:30 pm, Harman Swim Center, 7300 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Beaverton, ages 3+, register using codes HMPKNBOB26A or HMPKNBOB26B, $10.25 (in-district)/$9 (senior)/$12.75 (out-of-district)
Admission includes open swim, snacks, activities, and a pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Bob is a fun, family event where people swim with pumpkins! Children under 7, or less than 43″ from the chin down must be accompanied IN the water with an adult. One Pumpkin per ticketed guest.
Women-Only Swim continues at Beaverton Swim Center!
Sunday, October 11, 11-2 pm, Beaverton Swim Center, 12850 SW Third Street, Beaverton, free
Enjoy open swim in a welcoming women-only environment. Contact the facility at 503-629-6312 for more information about the program.
Jenkins Estate Historical Tour
Wednesday, October 21, 10-12 pm, Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, free
Step back in time and discover the rich heritage of the Jenkins Estate during our open-house historic tours. Drop in anytime during the hours to explore the beautiful Main House and historic Stables at your own pace on a self-guided journey through the past. As you wander the property, our Volunteer Historical Ambassadors will be stationed throughout to bring the estate to life, sharing fascinating historical facts, unique architectural insights, and captivating stories about the families who once lived here. More information available at our event webpage.
Chutes & Ladders Individuals Pickleball League
Thursday, October 8, 6:15-7:45 pm, Babette Horenstein Tennis Center, 15707 SW Walker Road, $60 per person
Join Coach Brian for a 7-week Individuals Chutes & Ladders Pickleball League. Play three rounds of Round Robin each week. First to 11, win by 2. Compete. Record your Score. Climb the Ladder. Paddle your way to the top spot. More information at the event webpage.
Glow in the Dark Family Pickleball
Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 6-9 pm, Babette Horenstein Tennis Center, ages 8+ (18+ after 7 pm), register using codes TC23719 or TC23720 for adult-only hours, $15 (in-district)/$13.50 (senior)/$18.75 (out-of-district)
Get ready to light up the court literally! Join us for Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball. Wear your bright whites and neon gear and we’ll provide the rest – perfect for players of all skill levels. More information at the event webpage.
Cedar Hills Rec Center Updates:
11640 SW Park Way
Join us for a Fall Festival
Saturday, October 31, 11-2 pm, $10 per child
Bring your family for games, crafts, a sensory room, pumpkin painting, a silly science room, an obstacle course, spooky treats, and more!
Women’s Hiking Series–Hike Three
Sunday, October 18, 8-12 pm, meet under covered area, register with code CH22392, $35 (in-district)/$31.50 (senior)/$43.75 (out-of-district)
Experience one of Oregon’s most iconic destinations with a guided group hike at Multnomah Falls. This 2.4-mile round-trip hike includes a moderate climb to the upper viewing platform, featuring approximately 820 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, participants will enjoy stunning waterfall views, the iconic Benson Bridge, and breathtaking Gorge scenery. Planned pauses for rest, conversation, and photos are built into the route. This class is part of our Women’s Guided Hiking Series and is open to women participants only.
Pop Up & Play
Saturday, October 10, 2:30-4 pm, free
Step into the gym and discover a world of excitement: bounce on inflatables, join group games, and enjoy endless open play. Bring your family, bring your energy, and make memories you’ll talk about all season!
Conestoga Rec & Aquatic Center Updates:
9985 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton
Halloween Silly Walk & Dance Party
Sunday, October 18, 3-5:30 pm, free
Trick-or-treat throughout the parking lot, enjoy a DJ dance party, and character meet-and greets. Visit the event webpage for more details.
Diwali Bazaar
Saturday, October 24, 12-7 pm, free
Celebrate Diwali with a vibrant marketplace from NW vendors. Enjoy delicious food, live cultural performances, and fun craft activities for children in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Visit the event webpage for more details.
Elsie Stuhr Center Updates:
5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, ages 55+
Halloween Party
Friday, October 30, 2-4 pm, register with code ES26616, $3 (in-district)/$5 (out of district)
Join us for our spooktacular Halloween Dance & Costume Party! Get in the Halloween spirit and enjoy an afternoon of good music, good company, great costumes and yummy treats. Don’t miss out on the fun! Prizes awarded for the best costumes.
Garden Home Rec Center Updates:
7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, 97223
TR Halloween Dance
Monday, October 26, 6:30-8:30 pm, register with code TR25706, ages 16+, $6.25 (in-district)/$5.50 (senior)/$8.25 (out-of-district)
Dress in costume and hit the dance floor. (TR) programs are for teens/adults who experience disabilities.
Tualatin Athletic Center Updates:
Tualatin Athletic Center, 50 NW 158th Ave., Beaverton
Monster Smash Pickleball Tournament
Friday-Sunday, October 23-25, register here by October 8, 8 am, $25 per event
THPRD’s first pickleball tournament is happening! Players of all levels are welcome to come and compete locally. Round Robin format (skill/age) with playoffs. More details at pickleballtournaments.com.
Walk-tober
Join us at the Athletic Center’s indoor walking track, starting in October, where staff will help track your accumulating mileage as you walk to different destinations in Oregon.
